Apparatus for sealing containers



June 15, 1943 v H. E. STOVERy 2,321,779

APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS V INVENTOR Harry E'over.

BY Msc WM Y. f- A TTQRNE i Jun 15, 1943.

H. E. srovER APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 2, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 d Ln N /N VENTO/e Harry E. Sroven BY MMMM June 15, 1943. H'. E. STOVER 2,321,779

IAPPARATUS FOR SEALING-r CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 2, 1940 7 Sheets'fSheet 3,

. VENOR Harry E. Sovrt H94 BZ/Mww' ATTO'RN June 15, 1943. H. E. STOVER .2,321,779

APPARATUS FOR SEALING CO'IAERS` k Filed Aug. 2, 1940 v :gheets-sheet 4 l INVENTOR' -l Harry ESi'oyerL- Y B K 7 KW 4 TTORNEY June 15, 1943. H. EL STOVER APPARATUS FOR SALING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 2, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Harry E. Shaver'. vOuA/vwvl/y/ ATTORNE June 15, 1943.

H. E. srovER APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 2,1940 7 sheets-sheet 7 ing containers. 'It has to Patented June 15, '1943 UNITED fsTA'ras PATENT- lOFFICE:

AFIARA'IUS FOIING CONTAINERS Harry ,.E...St'over,

.Hocking application August z, 1940, serial No. 349,655 1s claims. (ci. 22e-s2) l s My invention relates to'x'tn apparatus for sealdo, more particularly, with an apparatus for applying closures to containers, such as food containers and including jars, bottles, cans, et cetera, and sealing them on the containers and for producing a partial vacuum inthe upper ends of the containers.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Serial No. 319,312,

,led February 16, 1940, which issued as Patent 1 'I'he present invention deals with a machine which is similar in its general structure to that disclosed in my copending application.

In the machine of the present invention, I have provided a number of improvements in the cylinder and piston unit employed for 'actuating the sealing head of the machine. 'Ihese im v provements include a novel adjustable stop structure associated with the cylinder and piston unit for preventing movement of the toggle structure past .center when the sealing head is actuated.v It also includes a cushioning struc` ture for reducing shock when the piston reaches the extent of its movement -when actuating 'the -sealing head.

The preferred embodiment ofrmy -invention is illustrated in -the accompanying drawings,

wherein similar characters of reference desig- 'I l nate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 is aside elevational view of a -machine constructed in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure is a horizontal sectional view taken ysubstantially along line 3-3 of Figure 1 and l showing the sealing head .and the cap' feeding and applying unit.

- Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view A taken substantially along -line #-4 of Figure 2 illustratingthe sealing head unit andits operating mechanism.

Figure' is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view .taken substantially along line 6-6 of Figure 2.

. 2 and a sealing head unit 3.

'view of one of the wedges showing how it normally supports a cap.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of one of thel With reference to the drawings, I have illustrated a machine whichV comprises generally a conveyer unit I', a cap feeding and applying unit The conveyerunlt I may be of any suitable type. For example, it may be of the typedis.- closed in the co-pending application of William D. Bell, on Apparatus for sealing containers, Serial No. 314.299, filed Juanuary 17, 1940.' However, it is to be understood that my apparatus may be associated "with any suitable type of'4 conveyer unit. The conveyer unit preferably embodies-means for continuously moving the containers into proper association with the units 2 and l, including means for centering the con- ,tainers relative to said units.

My inventionv is not limited to use with any particular type of container and cooperating cap but for illustrative purposes I have shown. in

, Figure 6 a containerA l adapted to receive the cap 5 on'its upper end. This cap preferably embodies a substantially disk-like portion 6 (Figure which is used for controlling operation of the sealing head, the valve being shown in its normal position.

12) which has a depending annular skirt 1 which' carries an annular gasket 8 therewithin. When the. cap is forced downwardly onto the upper end of the container, the frictional contact of the gasket with the upper end of the container will, aid in maintaining the cap in position and will seal the cap on the container.

The containers 4 are placed mdiscriminateiy on the conveyer and are moved in the direction of the arrows (Figures 1 and 2) by the conveyer. L The containers are centered thereon in the manner described in said co-pending application Serial No. 314.299. They are first carried to the cap feeding and applying unit 2. This unit is of such a type that itwill apply a cap Y `loosely to the upper end of the container. After the containerpasses the unit 2, it passes to the sealing head unit 3. This sealing head unit 3 is adapted to displace the air. from'the head space and to sterilize such space and the cap before the sealing operation. I

The units 2 and 3 are disposed directly adjacent each other. They are both supported by a horizontally disposed 4plate 9. 'I'he plate 9 is supported at a point spaced above the conveyer unit I by means of four vertically disposed non- ,rotatable posts I two of which are disposed at the left-hand corners of the plate (Figure 1) and the other two of which are spaced a substantial distance from the right-hand end of the plate. Each of these posts I5 is provided with a base portion II on its lower end which is suitably secured, as by screw bolts IIa, to a portion of the conveyer unit I. The upper portion of each of these posts is threaded, as indicated at I2. Each of the posts has an internally threaded worm gear I3 mounted on the threaded portion I2 thereof. Each of these worm gears is disposed directly beneath and engages the plate 9. Formed integral with the left-hand end of plate 9 is a pair of lugs I4 (Figure 2). Formed integral with the plate 9 adjacent its opposite end is a pair of bearing portions I5. The pair of bearing portions I5 rotatably support a horizontally disposed worm shaft I6. 'I'he pair of lugs I4 at the other end of the plate 9 rotatably support a horizontally disposed worm shaft I1, Each of the worm shafts I5 and I1 carries a pair of worms I6 which engage the adjacent worm gears I3. The worm shaft I1 is provided with an angular end I9 for receiving a crank by means of which itmay be rotated. In order to rotate the shaft I6 simultaneously with the shaft I1, the shaft I1 is provided on its opposite end with a sprocket 29 keyed thereon. This sprocket has a chain 2I passing therearound which also passes around a sprocket 22 keyed on the corresponding end of the shaft I5.

Thus, it will be apparent that when the shaft I1 is rotated, the shaft I5 will be rotated simultaneously and to the same extent. Consequently. by rotating shaft I1, all of the worm gears I3 will be caused to rotate. Since these gears are threaded lon the posts III, they will be moved vertically on the posts. Furthermore, since the gears are in engagement with lower surfaces of the plate 9, the plate 9 will be moved vertically in accordance with the vertical movement of the gears. Thus, the plate 9 may be adjusted verare carried by the plate 9. Consequently, it is y in the form of a unitary structure which may be readily associated with any suitable type of conveyer unit. The worm and gear units are preferably enclosed in a suitable housing i3d as indicated in Figure 1.

The sealing head unit 3 is illustrated best in Figures 1 to '1. It comprises a vertically dispose'd cylindrical housing portion 23 which. has a base portion 24 that is bolted by meansof bolts 24a to the upper surface of theplate 9. Beneath the base portion 24 (Figure 4), the plate 9 is provided with a large opening 25, in order to permit vertical movement of the sealing head 25. This sealing head embodies a substantially cylindrical portion of non-magnetic metal which is carried on the lower -end of a plunger .21.

' The sealing head 25 is provided with a recess 23I in its upper surface which receives the lower end of the plunger 21.' 'l'heiplunger carries an enlarged portion 29 on its lower endwhich limits its'upward movement ,by contacting with the vided with a vertically disposed bore v30 which has an interiorly threaded lower end that receives the threaded upper portion of a bolt 3l. This bolt passes upwardly through a centrally disposed opening 32 in member 26 which is enlarged at its lower end to receive the head 33 of the bolt. The bolt 3| will maintain the head 26 in position on the lower end of the plunger 21. A pin 34 is disposed in aligning openings in the member 26 and lower end of the plunger 21 to prevent relative rotation of these members.

In order to normally maintain the plunger 21 in its uppermost position I provide the following structure. A pin 35 is carried by the housing portion 23 and extends transversely thereof and through a vertically disposed slot 36 formed in the plunger 21. A compression spring 31 has its lower end resting on this pin 35 and its upper end engaging with the upper end of the bore 30. Thus, this spring 31 normally tends to force the plunger 21 upwardly until the enlarged portion 29 thereof'contacts with the lower end of the housing portion 23.

Threaded into a collar 38, bolted by bolt 38a to the upper end of the housing portion 23, is a collar 39. This collar 39 has a plunger 49 mounted therein for vertical movement. This plunger has a. peripheral flange 4I on its lower end which fits tightly within the housing portion 23. Between the lower end of the collar 39 and the upper surface of the flange 4I and in surrounding relationship to the plunger 40, is a compression spring 42. The spring 42 normally forces the plunger downwardly. The upper end of the plunger40 is threaded, as indicated at 45, and receives threaded collars 46 which bear against the upper end of the collar 39. The collars 46 will limit downward movement of plunger 40. By rotating the collars 46, the distance between the flange 4I and the collar 39 may be varied and, consequently, the downward force exerted by the spring 42 on the plunger may be varied. By rotating the collar 39 in the member 38, the entire unit including plunger 40, spring 42, collar 39 and collars 4B may be adjusted axially of the housing. The two adjustments just described are provided for a purpose to be explained later. The collar 39 may be held in any adjusted position by means of a lock nut 49 threaded on collar 39.

It will be apparent that the plungers 40 and 21 are disposed in axial alignment. It will also be' apparent that the lower end of the plunger 40 is spaced above the upper end of plunger 21. Between these plungers and within the housing portion 23, a toggle joint 49 is disposed. One link 5l of the toggle Joint extends upwardly and has lower end of housing 23. The plunger 211s prog5 .its upper en d pivotally connected, as at 5I, to

the bifurcated lower end of the plunger 46. The other link 52 has its lower end pivotally connected, as at 53, to the bifurcated upper end of the plunger 21. The adjacent ends of the links 55 and 52 are pivotally connected together by means of a bifurcated member 54. The member 54 is provided with a socket portion 54a which receives the round end portion 55 of a piston-rod 56. A pin 55a holds the end 55 in socket portion abuts the head 1|. Y the member 1lb in position by contactingl with a shoulder 1|d formed on the inner surface of ure 4. The plunger 40 will be held in its lowermost position by the spring 42. The plunger 21 will be held in its uppermost position by the spring 91.- The toggle joint 49 will be in the conditionL illustrated, that is, with its links at an angle to each other. It will be apparent that if the piston rod 66 is moved to the right (Figure 4), the toggle joint 49 will be straightened out. This will force the plunger 21 downwardly against the action of-spring 31 and, consequently, will force the sealing head 26 downwardly. As soon as the piston rod 56 moves to the left, the spring 31 will return member 26 to its uppermost position. The spring-pressed plunger 40 is provided to limit the downward force exerted on the plunger 21 to a predetermined maximum, so as to prevent iniury to the container being sealed.

This predetermined maximum is determined by the. initial adjustment of the distance between the lower end of collar 99 and the flange 4|, which varies the downward force exerted by the' spring 42. When the downward force created by the toggle 4 9 on the plunger 21 reaches the predetermined maximum, the plunger 46 will be forced upwardly against the resistance of the spring 42. Consequently, the pressure exerted on plunger -21 will not be excessive. It will be apparent that during operation of the toggle joint, the piston rod 56 will move vertically` to a limited extent. Adjusting the plunger unit vertically by means of the lmember 99, as previously described, will vary the extent of the downward movement of 'the plunger 21 and, consequently, of the member 26.` Thus, the extent of the downward movement of member 26 may be readily adjusted. For controlling movement of the piston rod 56, I provide the mechanism now to be described. This mechanism comprises a fluid-operated cyl-- inder and piston unit 69. This unit 59 includes a housing 59a which has a large cylinder bore 60 formed in its upper portion and a small cylinder bore 6| formed in its lower portion. The bores 69 and 6| are horizontally disposed and lare parallel with each other. Thehousing 59a is mounted on the upper surface of the plate 9 directly adjacent the housing 23. It is provided with a ilattened lower surface which' rests on the upper surface of plate 9. To secure :the housing 59a to the housing 29, the housing 23 is provided with laterally projecting lugs 23a (Figu'res 3 `and'6), through which bolts 62 pass.

VBolts 62 have their ends threaded into the hous- A metal collar 1|c holds housing 1| a. The end of the portion 18a is threaded to receive nuts 1|e which may be ad- .iusted to various positions therealong. The nuts lle will contact with member 1Ic when the piston 69 moves to the right. They serve as an adjustable stop for limiting such movement to prevent the links 56 and 62 of the toggle from moving past theaxes of plungers 21 and 48.

The member 1lb serves as a cushion to reduce the shock of the impact.

A cap 121s bolted tothe other end of the housing 69a and 'isvprovided with an opening 14. 'I'he piston rod 56 v.passes inwardly through this opening into the interior of the bore 60. The

inner end of the piston rod 56 is vilattened and is pivotallyconnected at 15 to a `bifurcated lug 16 formed on the member 19. The opening" is larger than the piston rod 66 so as to permit limited movement of the piston rod therein. A compression spring 11, is disposed within the bore 89' Vin surrounding' relationship to the rod 66. One end of the spring bears against the cap 12 and is disposed in a recess` 13 formed therein while' the opposite end bears againstr a anged collar 18, which is' formed integral with member 18.' It will be apparent'tha't this spring normally tends to force the piston 89to the left so that the boss 10b contacts with the head 1| Consequently, this will also keep the toggle joint 49 in the condition illustrated in Figure 4.

' I preferably employ'steam as the iiuid-for moving the'piston 69 from the position indicated .in Figure 4. -The housing 69a has a steam iabket 98 formed in the wall thereof and extending completely around the housing. A main steam line 8| (Figure 10) is adapted to convey steam into this jacket. This jacket serves to prevent or decrease condensation of the steam within the housing 59a. I'he line 8| isv connected to a suitable source of ysupply in a manner to be described.

The bore el has a piston type valve sz mounted for axial movement therein, as shown best in Figures 4, 8 and 9. This piston valve .82 is adapted ing 69a and spacers 63 are provided on the bolts;

A large bolt 65 (Figure 4) is passed horizontally through an upstanding lug 66 on the housing 59a and has its outer en d threaded into a boss on the housing portion 23, as at 61. A spacer 68 is provided on the bolt 65. Thus, it will be apparent that the housing 59a is held iirmly in position.

The bore has a hollow' piston 69 slidably mounted therein. This cylinder 69 has' a member 18 disposed therewithin which is secured to its end wall by means of bolts 89a. The member 19 has a reduced extension 10a which extends to'the left (Figure 4) through the end of the piston and through a boss 10b formed thereon. This boss 10b will normally contact with the end of the bore 68 to keep the piston spaced from the head 1| disposed at the left handend of housing 59a. The portion 18a extends l through the head 1I and into a housing 1Ia which is secured 'to the head 1|.

' opening 89 communicates with'a. longitudinally to control the supply of steam to and exhaust of steam from the cylinder bore 69. Intermediate its ends the piston valve 92 is provided with'. an annular chamber 83 and at its extreme ends the piston valve 82,is provided with projecting portions 84. An exhaust and inlet opening 86 is provided in the wall of the bore 6| intermediate the ends thereof and communicates with a longitudinal passageway'l. Cpening 85 is lalways in communication with annular chamber 83. The passageway 91 has one end communicating with an opening 88 which leads into the cylinder bore 60 adjacent the head 1 i The opposite end of the passageway 81 communicates with an opening 6@ which leads through the wall of the bore 68. The

extending groove 96 formed in the periphery of the piston 69. When the piston 69 is in the position indicated in Figure 8, the opening 89 will not be in communication with a passageway 89a, formedin the wall of bore 6|),but when the piston 69 m'oves to the position indicated in Figure 9, the, groove 90 will be in such a position` that it will connect opening 89 to passageway 89a. The outer end of passageway 89a is uncoveredwith the piston 69 asin Figure 8.y

At spaced points in the wall of the bore 6| an inlet opening 9| and an outlet opening 9|a are formed. The inlet opening 9| is connected to an opening 92 leading from the steam jacket 88. The opening 9|a leads tothe atmosphere. With piston valve 82 in the position shown in Figure 8,

f the annular chamber 83 is in communication with exhaust opening 9|a and piston 82 covers open- Witlh piston 82 in the position indicated in Figure 9, chamber 83 is in communication with inlet opening 9| and exhaust opening 9|a is covered by the piston.

With the piston 82 in the position indicated in -Figure 8, steam will exhaust from the left hand end of 'the cylinder bore 68, through opening 88, passage 81, opening 85, annular chamber 83, and exhaust opening 9|a. The piston 82, when in the position indicated in Figure 8, will cover the inlet opening 9|. Consequently, steam will not be supplied to the cylinder bore 68.

For controlling movement of the piston valve 82, I provide a valve mounted in an extension 94 (Figures 8 and 9) of the housing 59a. This extension is preferably of the shape shown in Figure 5 and is bolted to housing 59a by bolts 95. A cylindrical bore 96 is formed in the main portion of the extension 94. The bore 96 receives a piston. 91, which is mounted for axial movement therein. The outer end of the piston carries a pair oi spaced collars 98 the inner oneof which serves to limit inward movement of the piston'. The portion of the piston 91 which is disposed in the bore 96 has a large annular chamber 99 formed therein and a small annular chamber |88 formed therein in axial spaced relationship. A steam passageway |83 connects the steam chamber 88 to the annular chamber 99 formed in the piston 91. An exhaust passageway |84 connects the left hand'end of bore 96 to the atmosphere. Spaced passageways |85 and |86 communicate with the bore 96 and, when the piston 91 is in the position indicated in Figur 3 8, the end |81 of the piston covers the end of passageway |85 while the end of passageway |88 communicates with the chamber 99 in the piston. These passageways MI5-and |86 are connected'to a passageway |88 which is connected to the left hand end of the cylinder bore 6|. Axially spaced passageways |89 and ||8 communicate with the bore 96 and, when the piston 91 is in the position indicated in- Figure 8, the central portion thereof covers the end of passageway |89 and the passageway ||8 communicates with the annular chamber |88 of the piston 9,1. The passageways |89 and I8 areconnected to a passageway ||2 which is connected to the right hand end of the bore 6|. An exhaust passageway |8Ia leads from the right hand end of bore 96 to the atmosphere.

It will be apparent that with the piston 91 inv the position indicated in Figure 8, steam will ilow from the chamber 88, through the passageway piston 82, while the exhaust opening 9| a will be uncovered. Consequently, steam from the left hand end of the cylinder bore 69 will exhaust through the opening 88, passageway 81, opening 85, chamber 83 and exhaust opening 9|a. the spring 11 will be permitted to return the piston 89 to the position indicated in Figure 8.

However. if the piston 91 is moved to the right,

Thus,

as indicated in Figure 9, steam will be supplied to the left hand end of the cylinder bore 88 to move the piston 69 to the right. It will be apparent that when the piston 91 is moved to the right, steam will iiow from the passageway |83, through the annular chamber 99 in piston 91, through the passageway |89, through passageway |2 (the passageway |8 having its end closed at this time by the portion of the piston) to the right hand end of the bore 6|, which will cause the piston 82 to move to the left. At the same time,the steam in the left hand end of the bore 6| will exhaust through the passageway |88, through passageway |85 (the end of passageway |86 being closed by the end |81 of piston 91 at this time) through the left hand end of bore 96 and through passageway |84 to the atmosphere. When the piston 82 is moved to the position indicated in Figure 9, the inlet opening 8| is uncovered while the exhaust opening 9|a is covered. Consequently, steam will flow from the chamber 88 through opening 92, through opening 9| into chamber 83, through opening 85, passage 81 and iinally through opening 88, into the left hand end of the bore 68. This will force the pis ton 69 to the right.

When the piston 89 moves to the right suiliciently, the opening 89 communicates with the passageway 89a. This will permit steam to flow from passage 81 into passageway 89a and into the bore 96a which is formed in the upper portion of extension 94. This will force the piston 91a, mounted in bore` 96a, from the position indicated in Figure 9 into the position indicated in Figure 8. Movement of the piston 91a to the right (Figure 8) is adapted to move piston 91 to the left to return it to its original position. For this purpose, a short lever ||5a is provided which has its upper end in engagement with the outer end of piston 91aas at 91h, and has a yoke ||5b on its lower end which straddles piston 91 between collars 98. 'I'he lever ||5a is pivoted to the outer end of a pin ||1a (Figure 4) which is mounted in extension 98 for axial adjustment and is held in adjusted position by a set screw ||1b (Figure 5) which engages a iiat portion of the pin to prevent rotation thereof. Thus, when piston 91a is moved to the right, piston 91 will be moved to the left. When piston 91 is moved to theright, piston 91a is moved to the left.

The piston 91 must be moved to the right mechanically by means of a lever H5. This will original position by steam pressure, as described above. Thus, movement of the piston 91 to the right is controlled mechanically while movement of the piston tothe left is accomplished automatically by steam pressure.

For moving the piston 91 to the right, I provide the pivoted lever I5, as previously described.

This lever has a yoke portion ||6 on its upper end which engages the piston 91 between the' collars 98, as shown best in Figures 4, 8 and 9.'

The lever ||9 is pivoted to the biiurcated outer end ||1 of a plunger Ill. The plunger ||8 is disposed for axial movement in a bore |28 formed in the'housing extension 98. A compression spring |2| is provided in the bore |28 for nor-v mallyfforcing the plunger ||8 to the left. A pin ||8a is disposed for axial movement in a tube ||9a disposed in fixed position in a bore ||9 in housing portion 89a. One end of pin ||8a engages the plunger ||9 while the other end therethe pivot pointffor4 the lever i l5 may be adjusted to tiie'iigiitor tothe left (Figure 4).

l'rm'e'iower end ofthe-lever H5 is provided with a iin'ger portion |32 `which is disposed adjacent the edge offmemb'e'r 26 in alignment withl a verticalislot 86| formed'therein which is of suflicientwidth ,to'permit 'movement of the lever thereinto, ifnecessary.' 'The linger portion |32 extends kdownwardly beyond the lower surface of the member '26, when the member 26 is in its uppermost position.VM Adjustment of the plunger H6 vwill move the-lower end 32 of lever I|5 into or'out of slot `|3|,"to properly position it at the point where the edge of the cap will be disposed when it is carriedfon the head 26 in sealin-g position.A The proper position of nger |32 will vary with variations in diameters of the caps being used.

'I-'hecap-feeding and applying unit 2 is illustrated best yin kFigufresl, 6, '7' and 11 to 13, inelusive. This .unit'comprises a plate |33 which is suitably mounted on Vtheplate 9 over a large opening 25a (Figure 2) in the plate 6. This plate G33 has a portion |34 which extends down into the opening 25a. Theplate |33 is held in position on plate 9 by means of Apins |35 extending irto openings formed therein so that it may be readily cylinder |41 to keep the piston spaced therefrom.

removed. "The plate |33 is provided with a centrally disposed opening |36 which' is in alignment with the sealingv head 26.' This opening |36 is of the proper size to permit the caps, to be ap plied to the containers. to drop freely therethrough. `'I'he plate |33 carries four upstanding posts 831 which are spaced circumferentially adapted to receivel a stack of the nested caps. The plate |33 has a plate |33a bolted by I around the opening.|36.- These posts |31 are means of bolts |33b to the lower surface thereof.

Plate |3311 hasan' opening 836.

For` controlling the feed of the caps downwardly throughthe opening |36, I provide the following-structure.. This structure embodies a pair yof capzseparating wedge members |36.

opening corresponding .with

These wedge members |36 are disposed tangentially-to-the; opening |36, as indicated best in Figure IV3. They are mounted for longitudinal movement in recesses |36a formeddn the lower surface of the plate*l |33.v The recesses |,36a extend substantially tangential to opening |36 and are-in` communication-therewith at their inner edges. The lowerwalll ofthese recesses is formed sby plate v|33a.- The` members |36 are connected together at one end by a bar |36; The other ends of members- |36 engage a bar |40. AThe bar |40 carries a pinvr |4| (Figure 6) which is mounted I for axial ,movement .-ina bearing portion 3a formed on1theplate9.A small plate |43 is attachedto" the lower surface of portion 3a and extends beneath bar |40. This plate carries a pin |44 on its innerendto which one end of a" spring l|45 iseattached. The other end of the spring |45 .isconnectedto a depending pin|4|a carried on the outer end of pin |4I. The springv |45,wi11 tendto pull .the bar |40 to the right,

holding .the[bar"in1,contact with the ends of ctiirii'dict`. with'the bute-rend of piston rod |46.l

Tnefpiston, rodi lstile,carried by a piston uta disposed inv acylinder |41 carried by the plate 6.'

The piston |456 is lprovided with a prdjection one end thereof and a cap-separating wedge portionv |56 projecting inwardly past said surface adjacent the opposite end thereof. The portion has a knife edge |56 formed thereon.

The wedge portion lss is provided with o. horizontally disposed upper edge |60 which is spaced above the top surface of por-tion |65 a distance substantially equal to the thickness of a cap. The

lower edge |6| of`wedge portion |56 is inclined so that the end |56 of portion |56 is pointed. The points |56 and |56 are spaced apart. The members |36 are normally in such. a position that the lowermost cap will be suDpOr-ted by the projecting portions |55 of the members |36 which .will project intoopening |36. However, when the members |36 are moved to the left (Figure 6) by outward. movement of the piston |460, this causes the portions |55 thereof to be withdrawn from the opening |36, permitting the lowermost cap to drop from the opening. At the same time that the portions |55 are withdrawn, the pointed o ends |53 of the cam portions |56, which are normally out .of opening |36, are projected into opening |36 and pass between the lowermost cap andthe cap next above.

The wedge-shaped portions |56 actually serve to force the lowermost cap downwardly. desirable to have this positive action rather than to rely upon gravity, because the caps may tend to stick together. The straight upper edges |66 'of the poi-tions its win support the cap next above and the entire stack during the time portions |55 are in withdrawn position. as soon as the members |36 are returned to their original positions, the portions |55 will again project into the opening |36 and the lowermost cap will rest y thereon, since the wedge portions |56 have been moved ,from beneath the cap which they were previously supporting and have been withdrawn from opening |36. l Thus, it will be apparent that each time the 'members |36 are moved to the left (Figure 6) a singlev cap will drop` through the opening |36. Y

It will be apparent that the unit, consisting l of plate |33, posts |31, carried by such plate,

and members |36, mounted for longitudinalv movement in guides in said plate, together with bar |36, can be' readily removed and be replaced with a similarunit for differentsize caps. The removal of this unit is facilitated because piston rod |46 and member |40 are not mechanically connected thereto." y

The cap -releasui from the stack will drop downwardly'ontoatongue member |62 which is securedlto member' |33a`. The tongue member |62 extends beneath theopening |36. It is held in position by means of a pin |62a`which extends through an opening ina vertical extension'of member |62 and into an opening in member |33a. 'Ihe pin |62a is split so that it will be held in theopening -by friction and is formed in the inner end of a handle |621. The tongue may be readily removed and replaced with a different size tongue when desired. v-

Disposed beneath plate |33a and bolted thereto Iltis4 `ceives a cylindrical portion is a pair of parallel tracks |65 (Figures 3 and '1) which extend forwardly towards the sealing head Y 26. These tracks |65 are spaced apart a proper distance so that they will support the cap released from the stack. Thus, the cap will be supported in an inclined position, as indicated in Figure '1, by the tracks |65 engaging it aty diametrically opposed points and by the tongue member |62 engaging the rear edge thereof. Although the members |65 are spaced a distance such that the cap will rest thereon, they are spaced sufiiciently to permit the upper end of the container to pass therebetween, it being understood that the cap is slightly greater in diameter than the upper end of the container.

It, will be apparent that all parts of the cap feeding unit are carried by the plate |38. Consequently when different sized caps are used, the entire unit may be removed easily and quickly and replaced with a different unit adapted to contain4 and feed caps of a diierent size. When removing the cap feeding unit, the pin |62a may be removed by withdrawing handle |62b to permit the removal of tongue |62 so that the cap feeding unit may be lifted out of position.

When the conveyer moves a container beneath the cap tainer will engage the skirt of the inclined cap disposed in the position indicated in Figure '1. This will move the cap along the tracks |65 with the container, and onto tracks |65a Awhich extend to apoint adjacent the sealing head 26 (Figure 3). The tracks |6511. are supported in a manner to be explained later. The cap and container will be moved along until they pass beneath the sealing head 26. The sealing head has means associated therewith for lifting the cap slightly from the container. This means comprises a plurality of small magnets |14, (Figure 5) which are arranged in circumferentially spaced relationship., An additional magnet |15 (Figure 4) is disposed closely adjacent the edge of member 26 which will first be approached by the cap. The magnets are of cylindrical form and are mounted in sockets formed in the head 26 which is of non-magnetic material. These sockets do not extend quite completely through the head 26. The upper end of each socket re- |16 of rubber which fits tightly therewithin and tends to hold the magnet in position.

As the container with the cap thereon moves beneath the sealing head 26, the forward edge of the cap will rst be lifted by the magnet |15. Continued movement of the container will cause the magnets to act on the cap to hold it up against the lower surface of the member 26. Even with the cap in firm contact with the member 26, the skirt of the cap will still surround the upper end of the container so that it will be moved along with the container. However, the cap will be spaced sufficiently from the upper end of the container to permit steam to be injected therein.

The means for injecting the steam into the upper end of the container comprises a pair of steam jet members |11'which are provided with steam slots |18. The members |11 arein spaced parallel relationship and extend along the member 26. The members |11 are carried by arms |18c which are, in turn, carried by guide members |18d (Figures 4, 5 and 10). These -guide members |18d are suitably mounted in guideways |18e on the bottom of plate 6. A screw member |16! has oppositely threaded portions engaging the members |18d and is carried by the plate 8 in feeding unit 2, the upper end of the con- |8| of one of the members |11.

such a manner that it will not move axia It will beclnggiod 1glial; by rotating screw Illgf'the distan n e mem justed. `bers |11 may be adl 'I'he tracks |65a are supported in the manner illustrated best in Figure l0. They are bolted, as at |651), to the ends of the members |11. A bolt |65c extends transversely of the tracks and connects them together to prevent spreading thereof. The inner edges of the members |11 have snort track sections nmmsposea thereon which are in alignment with the tracks |65a. The cap will be moved along by the conveyer over the track sections |65, |6511 and II'Ia until it comes beneath the sealing head 26. Since the track members 65a are carried by the members |11 the distance between them will be varied with adjustment of the distance between the members 1|) yiscIulri-:itgt aii adjlsutemnt the bolt |65c must n a r be'placed. he adjustment, 1t may e inner edge of each of the members |11 provided with an arcuate cutaway portion |181; adjacent the slot |18 which serves to direct the steam more effectively arund the upper end of the container and also eliminates any chance of interference of the cap with the members |11 during the time the cap is being lifted. 'I'he upper surface of the member |11 is provided with an arcuate recess which serves to form a pocket for the steam and direct it around the container Eachof the members |11 has a longitudinally extending passageway |18 (Figure 5) which communicates with the outlet slot |18. This passageway |19 is connected by means of a passageway |88 to a longitudinally extending tubular chamber 8|. This chamber |8| receives a hollow tubular electric heater |82. The heater |82 is of such a type that it will not be injured by moisture and is connected to a suitable source of power by means of a conduit |83. A flexible conduit |84 (Figure 10) is connected to the chamber The cha of this member |11 is connected to the |8| of the other member |11 by means of a telescoping tube |85. Thus, steam will be supplied to both of the members |11 regardless of their position of adjustment. The steam entering the chambers |8| will-pass around the" heaters |82 and will be dried by such heaters. This elimiilrtl iceysity tclaifsrroviding a steam supere pe c ose aplpication S. N. 314,299. d in said co pendmg order to supply steam to the c lind actuate the cap feeding unit, I povidrmellg which is actuated by movement of the container into a position below the cap feeding and applying unit. As illustrated best in Figures 3, 6 and '7 this means comprises a small roller |86 which held in a. xed position on the lower side of plate |83a. This member |86 is located directly below the opening |36 substantially in alignment with the piston rod |86, as illustrated best in Figure 3.

At a diametrically opposed point a w asher m bg |81 is disposed on the plate Ilia. A sxiralll p |88 prevents complete removal-of the washer gilnils to mglvl; to a considerable extent A norm engages the wash n ho'lldhs it in its outermost position. er '81 and e p1unger las as shown best in F1 gute 6,

gsposed for reciprocation in a bore |96 formel I a valvehousing |8| mounted on the Acylinder 41h The plunger is provided with a reduced psi on with which the inner end of a set screw cooperates to permit limited movement of the indicated in Figure 7,

asanvvo plunger but to prevent complete withdrawal thereof. The plunger is normally 'held in its outermost position by means of a spring |99. The bore |99 communicates with a passageway |94 which leads into the left hand end of cylinder |41. end or the cylinder is provided with an exhaust outlet iss. A second passagewayiss coni.

municates with the bore |90. The end |91 of this passageway is normally uncovered by the plunger |99. This passageway |96 communicates with a chamber |99-in which a piston valve 200 is disposed for reciprocation. Thispiston valve 200 is reduced to form an annular chamber 20|. The annular chamber 20| is in communication with the passageway |96 by means of a small bore 202 formed in piston valve 200. The chamber 20|.is also always in communication with a steam inlet 209 which is connected to a steam conduit 204.

The opening |41a at the right hand endof the cylinder |41 communicates with the bore |99 through the medium of an opening 205 in member |9|. The valve 200 is normally held in the position indicated in Figure 6 by means of a spring 206, the i'orce of which is adjustable by means of a screw 201. ,The opening 205 is normally .un-

` covered by the piston valve 200 and is in communication with an'exhaust opening 209.

With the parts in the position illustrated in.

Figure 6, steam will ilow from the line 204 through annular chamber 20|, through the bore 202, passage |96, passage |94 and through the exhaust outlet |95. The passageway 202 is small so that a small amount of steam only will normally escape and this will serve to keep the .steam live. As soon as a container is brought by the conveyer beneath the cap feeding and applying unit 2, the upper end of it will engage the roller |06 and the washer |81. This will happen substantially at the same linstant that the forward edge of the container engages the inclined cap and tends to withdraw it from its inclined position on the tongue |62. Engagement of the upper end of the container with the washer |61 will force it outwardly, it being understood that the inner edge of the washer and the inner edge of the roller |86 are normally spaced apart a di'sof the washer |81, will original position,V Then steam can escape from the right hand end of cylinder |41, through opening |41a\ and 290, through bore |99 and through the exhaust opening 208. This will per- -mit the spring to'return the piston |46a to the position 'indicated in Figure 6. Thus, each time a container moves beneath the=cap feeding unit and withdraws and moves along the cap l supported by the tongue |62 and tracks |65, it will actuate the cap leed to drop another cap into such position.

As illustrated bestin Figure-'10, theline 204 for supplying steam to thecylinder |41 is connected to a iitting 209 disposed in a housing 2|0 mounted on the plate 9. The line 8| which supplies steam vto the unit 59. for actuating the sealing head, is also connected to the fitting 209. Asteam pressure regulating unit 2| I of a suitable type is also disposed in housing 2|0 and is connected to the fitting 209. The main steam line 2|2 leads into the unit 2| The line 2|2 is connected to a suitable source of supply. The unit 2| will r'educe the pressure of the steam coming` from the line 2|2.= mA steam pressure gage 2|9 is also connected to the fitting 209 and will indicate the pressure of the steam flowing to the unit 59 and the cylinder |41. Beyond the fitting 209 in housing 2|0 a needle valve unit 2|4 is provided which is adjustable by means of a rotatable knob 2 |5. The valve 2|4 is connected to a fitting 2 i s, disposed in housing 2 lo, to which the imo |84 is connected. A pressure gage 2|1 is also connected to the tting 2|6v and will indicate the l pressure of the steam flowing through the line |94 into the members |11. The valve 2|4 is preferablyso adjusted that the pressure of the steam owing through the line |84 is considerably less than that owing through the lines 9| and 204. 'I'he gages 211 and 2|3 andthe knob 2|5 are disposed outside and above the housing From the preceding descriptiomthe peration of the entire machine will be well understood.

The Yconveyer will be continuously driven and the plate 9 will be adjusted to the proper height above the conveyer depending upon the height of the containers to be sealed. The members |11 will be properly adjusted relative to each other depending upon the diameter of the upper ends will force the piston |46a to the left, actuating the cap feed to drop another cap into the position it being understood that position has been withthe cap previously in this I by the container which drawn and moved along` engaged the washer |91. layed action of the piston valve 290 until pressure in passage |96 builds up 'which will prevent interference of the cap dropped with the cap previously in such position. After the container moves beyond the washer |91, the plunger |99 will be returned to its'originall ition by spring |99. This .will expose the end |91 of the passageway |96, and will permit the steam to escape from passage |96 through passage |94.

r The reduction in pres-- sure in the passage '|96 will permit thepiston valve v209 to be returned by the spring -oi! the containers. The cap feeding unit will'be of a suitable type to handle caps of the correct size to be applied tothe containers. The containers will be placed indiscriminately' on the conveyer and will be moved beneath the` units. 2 and 3. As a container is moved beneath the unit 2, itwill .withdraw a cap from said unit in the manner previously described. The container with a cap loosely thereonvwill then be moved beneath the sealing" head 26. When the container movesbeneath the head 26, the magnets serve to lift the cap against the head 26.

However, the upper endl of, the container will `still engage the skirt ofthe cap and will move it There will be a de- V along therewith. As soon as the cap contacts the lower end of the trigger or ringer |32, the control valves will be actuated to supply steam to move the piston 69 to the right. This will cause the -piston rod 66 vto actuate the toggle joint 49 which will, in turn, force the sealing head 26 downwardly. 'This will force the cap onto the container,l as previously indicated. Thus, as the` container moves into and reaches sealing 'position.v itxwill .automatically actuate the sealing head unit, provided a cap is disposed on the 206 to its upper end of the container.` Before the cap is forced on the container, the cap. is sterilized and the air in the upper end of the container is displaced by steam. This is accomplished by means of the steam jets |11 from which steam continuously issues.

In sealing the cap on the container, .forcing of the gasket over the upper end of the container, in itself, serves to hold the cap on the container. However, the condensation of the steam in the container beneath the cap, which occurs immediately, produces a'partial vacuum which is the main force serving to hold the cap on the container and which'also aids in preventing spoilage of the contents of the container. The sealing oc-` curs substantially simultaneously with the injection of the steam into the container and, consequently, the steam will not have much chance of escaping from the container before it is sealed. During the sealing operation, movement of the container along with the conveyer is interrupted. Suitable mechanism for this purpose may be associated with the conveyer unit. For example, it may be of the type disclosed in Serial No.

14,299. However, immediately after the sealing operation occurs, the container will again be moved along with the continuously moving conveyer and will be moved away from sealing position. As previously stated, the container sealing mechanism will not function if a container winch has no cap thereon, passes therebeneath.

When the sealing head 26 moves down sufllciently to force the cap downwardly into sealing position on a container, the cap will be out of engagement with the finger |32. Then the mechanism previously described may function to return the finger |32 to its original position. It will be noted that each time a container passes the cap feeding unit, it is actuated to feed a single cap into position to be engaged by the next container. It will also be noted that low pressuresteam can be employed for operating the sealing mechanism, since the toggle joint 49 will serve to multiply the force produced by movement of the piston 69. As previously explained, the extent of the downward movement of member 26 may be varied and the maximum pressure created by such member on the cap and container may be varied.

As previously indicated, the sealing head will not be actuated if acontainer without a cap is moved therebeneath, because the linger |32 of the actuating lever H will not be engaged. Therefore, the upperv end of the container will lnot be damaged.

It will be apparent from the above description that I have provided a novel stop structure in association with the cylinder and piston unit which actuates the sealing head, and this stop structure prevents movement of the toggle structure past center during actuation of the sealing head. Also, it will be apparent that I have provided a novel cushion structure which prevents excessive shock as the piston reaches the extent of its movement in actuating the sealing head.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. Apparatus of the type described iorv sealing containers comprising means for applying a cap loosely on a container, a sealing member adapted to be moved to seal the cap on the container,

means for moving said sealing member.. said.

means comprising a fluid-operated cylinder and and said sealing member. said mechanical connection including a toggle joint which serves to transmit the pressure developed by said unit to said sealing member, and means associated with piston unit including a piston rod extending i said cylinder and piston unit to limit movement ot the piston so as to prevent movement of the toggle joint past center. said means comprising a stop member carried by the opposite end of said rod and adapted to contact with the end of said cylinder.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1. wherein a cushioning member is provided' on the end of the cylinder with which said stop member will contact for reducing shock whenl the piston reaches the extent of its movement.

3. Apparatus of the type described for sealing containers. comprising a support for a container, a sealing member adapted to be moved downwardly relative to said support to force a cap on the container, al horizontally disposed cylinder and piston unit for moving said sealing member, said sealing member having a vertically disposed plunger associated therewith, said cylinder and piston unit being provided with a horizontally disposed piston rod extending from both ends of the cylinder, means for connecting one end of said rod to said plunger and including a toggle joint, said toggle joint having the inner ends of its links pivoted to said piston rod, one of said links having its outer end connected to said plunger and the other of said links having its outer end connected to an independent support and stop means associated with the other end of said( piston rod for limiting movement thereof to prevent movement of said toggle links beyond center,A said stop means comprising a member carried by the other end of said rod which contacts with the adjacent end of the cylinder.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the stop means includes a cushioning member on the end of the cylinder with which said member carried by said rod contacts to reduce shock.

5. Apparatus of the type described for sealing containers comprising a support for a container, a sealing member adapted to be moved downwardly relative to said support to force a cap on the container, a horizontally disposed cylinder and piston unit for moving said sealing member, said sealing member being carried by a vertically disposed plunger, said cylinder and piston unit being provided with a horizontally disposed piston rod extending from both ends of the cylinder, means for connecting one end of said rod to said plunger and including a toggle joint, said toggle joint having the inner ends of its links pivoted to said piston rod, one of said links having its outer end connected to said plunger, a second vertically disposed plunger disposed in axial alignment with the first plunger. the other of said links having its outer end connected to said second plunger, a spring associated with said second plunger for normally preventing upward movement thereof but permitting vupward movement thereof whenever the toggle joint applies an excessive pressure to the first plunger, and stop means associated with the other end of said piston rod for limiting movement thereof to prevent movement of said toggle links beyond center, said stop means comprising a member carried by said rod which contacts with the adjacent end of the cylinder. e

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the stop member includes a cushioning member on the end of the cylinder with which said stop member contacts to reduce shock.

'L Apparatus of the type described for sealing containers comprising a support for a container, a sealing member adapted to be moved flownwardly relative to said support to force a cap on the container, a horizontally disposed cylinder and piston unit for moving said sealing member, said sealing member being carried by a vertically disposed plunger, said cylinder and piston unit being provided with a horizontally disposed piston rodA extending from both ends of the cyly plunger, said spring having its lower end engag-- ing a portion of the plunger and its upper end engaging an abutment which is normally stationary, means for adjusting the distance between said abutment and said portion of the plunger to vary thel force exerted by said spring, said piston rod having a stop on its opposite end, said stop being adapted to contact with the cooperating end of the cylinder to limit movement of the piston.

8. Apparatus according to claim 'I wherein a cushioning member is associated with the end of the cylinder for contact with the stop to reduce shock.

9. Apparatus of the type described for sealing containers comprising a support for a container, 5 a sealing member adapted to be moved downwardly relative to said support to force acap on the container, a horizontally disposed cylinder and piston unit for moving said sealing member, said sealing member having a vertically dis- 10 posed plunger associated therewith, said cylinder and piston unit being pr'ovidedwith a horizontally disposed piston rod extending from both ends of the cylinder, means for voperatively connecting vone end of said rod to said plunger, and 15 stop means associated with the other end of said piston rod for limiting movement thereof to a predetermined extent, said stop means compris ing a member carried by the-end of said rod and which contacts with the adjacent end of the 20 cylinder.

l0. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the stop means'includes a cushion member on the end of the cylinder with which said member carried by said rod contacts to reduce shock. 5 ll. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said member is adjustably mounted on said rod. 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said stop member is adjustably carried by said rod.

13. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said member is adjustably carried by said rod.

HARRY E.` STOVER. 

